Match Report – 3rd October 2014 - Noel Ryan Cup First Round Ringsend Rovers 1 – 2 Dublin University Ringsend Rovers took on Dublin University in the first round of the Noel Ryan Cup on a dreadful night of incessant rain in Ringsend. Dublin University were to emerge as winners of the tie following a below par performance from an experimental home side. Rovers made a number of changes for the game setting up in a 4-5-1 formation; in came Jamie Richardson and Brian Morrissey for their season debuts slotting into a three man central midfield with Gary Mullen. John O’Sullivan played on the left side of midfield with Spuddy on the right; the back four included Stephen Dillon; Damien Moore; Anthony Gray and Ross Maher with Dean Kinsella up front. Rovers started brightly taking the game to DU however the domination in possession yielded few clear cut chances. As early as the second minute the best chance of the first half fell to Dean Kinsella following a poor kick out from the DU keeper however Kinsella’s lobbed shot was gathered by the keeper at full stretch. DU grew into the game and gradually started control the midfield with Rovers experimental setup struggling to keep a grip on the game. DU fashioned a number of chances from distance forcing Rovers keeper Philip Uzell into a couple of first half saves. Although Rovers retained the ball for large spells around the DU eighteen yard box as much as they tried they couldn’t find that cutting edge to convert the domination into a significant goal scoring opportunity. DU were gifted a goal just before half time when center half Damien Moore’s misplaced pass was intercepted, the DU striker found himself in space and launched a superb shot from thirty-five yards out into the top corner of the Rovers net. Half-time Ringsend Rovers 0 – 1 Dublin University Rovers regrouped and started the second half well but again that final cutting edge was eluding the players despite the hard work. DU sensed the frustration starting to build in the Rovers players and took the game to the home side. They pressurised the Rovers midfield and back four and started to trouble the home side with some good passing and possession. Anthony Ownes’ made a double substitution bringing on Daniel Kelly and Jamie Mullen for the hardworking Jamie Richardson and Brian Morrissey with Kelly linking up with Kinsella and Rovers switching to a 4-4-2 formation. Rovers began to regain their dominance and were unlucky not to equalise when Kinsella’s lovely headed flick on set Kelly free although forced wide he got his shot away with the keeper parrying the ball at full stretch and a relieved DU defence clearing the ball to safety. Rovers made their final substitution bringing on Kenneth Glennon for Gary Mullen who had worked tirelessly throughout. Glennon slotted into central midfield in a holding role allowing Mullen to drive Rovers forward. The home side were now pushing DU deeper and created a number of opportunities in and around the away side’s eighteen yard box but as much as they tried the equaliser remained elusive. A few key elements contributed to Rovers difficulties in vital areas. Decision making at crucial moments, taking extra touches and trying to play tight passes in the penalty area allowed DU easily close the tight space down and clear their area. Rovers continued to press and got off a number of shots however a lack of accuracy and goalkeeping kept the score at one nil to the visitors. Rovers were to pay the price for the missed chances when Stephen Dillon was deceived by the flight of a DU long ball, the ball skimmed off the defenders head into the path of striker who had run in behind anticipating a chance. There was to be no mistake with the finish as he cooling put the ball past the advancing Uzell into the far bottom corner. More trouble was to come for Rovers as Moore picked up a knock and with three substitutions already made Moore battled on but was visibly struggling to compete. He can be thankful to Anthony Gray who capped a fine performance by covering his fellow centre half. There was a price to pay and the injury restricted Ross Maher options to use his pace and attacking play to support the midfield as Rovers pressed hard to get back in the game. A consolation was to come but unfortunately too late to impact the end result, a through ball was pounced on by Kelly and his cross for Kinsella took a wicked deflection with the ball spinning into the DU net. With two minutes remaining Rovers tried to find an equaliser but DU held out to record a victory and a place in the second round draw. Rover’s manager Anthony Ownes’ has now had a chance to see the entire squad at his disposal in action over the last few weeks and will no doubt have some tough decisions to make for next week’s game. Rover will now refocus on next Friday’s home game in the FAI Junior Cup game against Mourne Celtic. Team: Philip Uzell (c), Stephen Dillon; Damien Moore; Anthony Gray; Ross Maher; Spuddy; Gary Mullen (Kenneth Glennon); Jamie Richardson (Jamie Mullen); Brian Morrissey (Daniel Kelly); John O’Sullivan; Dean Kinsella. Subs Not Used: Vuma Mdlalo; Barry Young; Graham McQuarrie; Bob Alwright Goals: Own Goal
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 18:26:28 +0000
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